McMahon relieved by Blackpool exit

William Watt

Tony McMahon is relieved to have escaped from Blackpool and says he has started smiling again.

Pool’s former skipper has joined League One Bradford City on loan for the rest of the season and made his debut in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Oldham.

McMahon played under three different managers during 14 troubled months at Pool and made 51 appearances.

The 29-year-old full-back said: “It’s been difficult right from the start of the season.

“Obviously I was the captain, so there was more responsibility on my shoulders.

“It’s not been nice with what’s happened – losing a lot of games and being at the bottom of the table.

“It’s also been hard for my two kids and my wife, going home every Saturday with a face a mile long because we’ve lost again.

“The kids are running around and I’m just sat on the couch watching TV. That’s not really me.

“You do take it home and it’s not easy when it keeps happening through the season. This is a fresh start.”

McMahon has been reunited with Pool team-mates Gary MacKenzie and Francois Zoko, who are also on loan with the Bantams. And he says swapping a relegation battle for a play-off chase has given him a new lease of life.

McMahon added: “I’ve been waking up bright and early with excitement. I am going into training with a big smile on my face.”